Widespread power outage hits Downtown Honolulu, neighboring areas

Traffic lights are out at the intersection of Nuuanu Ave and Vineyard Blvd.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -

A widespread power outage affected several neighborhoods near Honolulu Wednesday morning.

Shortly before 10 a.m., residents and businesses reported hearing a loud boom followed by a loss of electricity. Traffic lights were also out. So far, Hawaiian Electric officials have confirmed that the outage impacted Downtown Honolulu, Kalihi, Nuuanu and Pauoa.

The exact number of affected customers is unknown.

According to a Hawaiian Electric spokesperson, a device called a "lightning arrester" was damaged, causing the outage. Many areas now have their power back on, but those who work and live closer to the power grid in Nuuanu will remain without power as crews work to repair the damage.

Scientists agree that the Earth has been warming due to human-induced climate change, and as temperatures continue to rise, an increasing amount of severe weather events are expected to occur. Hawaii has already been seeing some of the impacts, researchers say, so how can the state prepare for more severe effects in the future?

Scientists agree that the Earth has been warming due to human-induced climate change, and as temperatures continue to rise, an increasing amount of severe weather events are expected to occur. Hawaii has already been seeing some of the impacts, researchers say, so how can the state prepare for more severe effects in the future?